A .36 Caliber C. Gibson Flintlock Rifle

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Today I picked up this left handed flintlock rifle at Dixon's.

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cgibson-lr-patchbox.jpg

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Greg Dixon wasn't sure who built it but after getting it home I found it marked "C. Gibson '08" in the stock behind the patchbox. It's not signed on the barrel.

Some googling has not revealed any contemporary makers by that name, so I'm thinking it was put together by a talented hobbyist. Regardless, it's pretty well built and appears to have been fired very little.

Greg had actually done the engraving on the patchbox and toe plate, so I asked him to note that on the receipt.

The stock design looks very similar to the Isaac Haines kit that Track of the Wolf used to sell.

The major components are all good stuff:

  • Barrel: Green Mountain 42” long x 13/16” octagon
  • Caliber: .36
  • Twist: Unknown but my SWAG is 1:48"
  • Finish: In the white
  • Lock: Large LH Siler flint
  • Triggers: Davis double-set
  • Stock: Unknown wood, pretty plain grain but with some nice carving and a cheekpiece inlay.

Although a smallbore it's no lightweight rifle:

  • Weight: 8.7 lbs.
  • OAL: 58”
  • LOP: 14”

It came with a vent pick attached with leather thong tied to trigger guard.

This is my first muzzleloading rifle smaller than .45 caliber. Along with the rifle I bought suitable ramrod accessories, a box of Hornady .350 balls, a bag of 0.018" ticking patches, and a bag of 0.015" patches to try.

The rifle came with a 5/16" ramrod but the channel in the stock is sized for 9mm or 3/8" rods, as are the thimbles. The top two thimbles have thin pieces of leather glued inside to keep the rod snug.

Depending on the weather I maybe able to get it to the range tomorrow, else it'll have to wait.

I'm looking forward to figuring out an accurate load and using it for target shooting, woods walks, and maybe small game.
 
I shot the rifle today and a load consisting of a .350 ball, 0.020" patch lubed with Bumblin Bear Grease, and 40 grains of Goex 3Fg shows promise. I started with 30 grains of powder and also tried 0.015" and 0.018" patches but they don't group as well. Recoil with 30 grains was on par with a .22 while 40 grains has slightly more push.

Once I settle on a load I'll adjust the sights so POA = POI at 50 yards. Currently it's shooting 2" or 3" to the right.
 
I wish that .38" was a popular caliber. I have an original rifle in .38" and my .375" revolver balls are a perfect fit. However, not problem getting .350s.

I also have the original horn and powder measure for that rifle. Interestingly, it measures out 25 grains. I often wonder if the 25 was for small game, and then a double-charge was used for deer and people. (it was shot at people quite a bit at one time) ?

Anyhow, very nice find, I've been getting a few nibbles on my snowmobile the last two days, if I can sell it, my first move is for a .36" rifle. And hey, as long as the ram-rod is on the bottom, don't worry which side the lock is on. !!!!
 
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